MAJORITY OF EMPLOYERS PLAN TO HIRE IN 2018

Over 60 percent of employers reported they want to hire in the New Year, according to a new survey released by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. If these findings prove accurate, the competition for talent in 2018 should remain high. At the least, talent that is looking for work should have increased bargaining power over previous years. This data also seems to indicate that retaining talent will once again be trying in 2018. If your staff is not happy, there is probably a new job available to them.

Forty-two percent of employers stated they ramped up hiring in 2017 and expect to continue adding workers in 2018. Another 4 percent reported slow hiring in 2017 with plans to significantly hire workers in the New Year, and 12 percent want to hire workers but are having trouble finding those with the skills needed for the job.

“The lack of skilled workers is a real concern for employers who are looking to expand operations in the New Year,” said Andrew Challenger, Vice President of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

There is disagreement about if there is a real “talent shortage” or if organizations are relying too much on algorithmic software and job boards to replace effective recruiting methods. Hiring strategies aside, don’t expect it to be easier to find the proper talent in 2018. It’s going to be the same hiring environment or an even more competitive one.

Another 4 percent of employers told Challenger, Gray & Christmas that they plan to bring on more temporary workers in 2018. Meanwhile, 20 percent of employers expect hiring to remain slow in 2018 due to soft demand, and eight percent will decrease hiring in the New Year.

Ten percent of employers reported that they had other plans than the responses given, including that they had hired for future needs in 2017 and would not be hiring in 2018 or that they will hire as much as they typically do in 2018.